“You don’t have to be the smartest guy in the room, you just need to know who it is.”

Karyn Cavanaugh

Senior market strategist, Voya Investment Management

Karyn Cavanaugh, a senior market strategist with Voya Investment Management, is well known for sharing her market commentaries in national media outlets. The other hat she wears is portfolio co-manager for the Voya Global Perspectives fund. What type of experience prepares one for this type of work?

In Ms. Cavanaugh's case, it involves 15 years as an analyst in accounting, investment management and information technology, followed by two years in international business development — all of which she did before joining Voya.

"Analysts bridge the gap to make things happen between departments," she said. "They need to be good at communicating to different audiences."

The biggest boost to her credibility, she said, came from earning her Chartered Financial Analyst designation, which she calls the "gold standard" for portfolio managers.

"Women tend to be successful in portfolio management because they are methodical decision makers, have longer holding periods, and don't make decisions with their egos," Ms. Cavanaugh said.

She has a passion for the markets and doesn't pretend to know everything.

"You don't have to be the smartest guy in the room, you just need to know who it is," Ms. Cavanaugh said.

Her enthusiasm shows in her TV appearances and she's not afraid to look "girly."

"My red lipstick and big hoop earrings make me feel confident. I say ‘Go big or stay on the porch!'"

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